Trajan, 98-117. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 7.43 g, 7 h), Rome, summer-autumn 116. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GER DAC PARTHICO Laureate and heroically nude bust of Trajan to right, wearing aegis over his left shoulder; below bust, globe. Rev. P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R / PARTHIA CAPTA Trophy, consisting of helmet, shields, cuirass, greaves, and cloaks, between two seated Parthian captives, both resting head on one hand in attitude of mourning; before each captive, bow in bow-case. Biaggi 497 (this coin). BMC 606. Calicó 1036 (this coin illustrated). CBN 864. Cohen 186. MIR 560tt. RIC 325. A very rare variety. A lovely coin with an interesting bust type and a fine pedigree. Very light marks, otherwise, very fine.


In 114, Trajan launched an ambitious invasion of Armenia and Parthia, aimed at securing Rome's eastern border against the Parthian threat. He quickly moved into Armenia and deposed its king before returning to Edessa for the winter. The next year saw forays into Mesopotamia, but the true culmination of the campaign occurred in 116, when Trajan sacked the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon and pushed through to the Persian Gulf. This momentous event is duly commemorated on the present coin, although the emperor's eastern conquests would prove to be ephemeral, as they were quickly abandoned by his successor, Hadrian, who withdrew the overextended Roman forces at the beginning of his reign.